MENOPAUSE AND NAIL HEALTH: EXPERT GUIDE FOR STRONGER NAILS

Midlife brings a wave of shifts, from our sleep patterns to our daily skincare needs. While we often talk about the noticeable changes in our skin or hair texture during perimenopause and menopause, our nails are just as likely to join the conversation. If you have recently noticed that your nails are suddenly snapping, peeling, or sporting new ridges, you are certainly not alone. A decline in nail health is an incredibly common but frequently overlooked aspect of this natural transition. Fortunately, understanding exactly why these changes happen allows us to adjust our self-care routines with targeted, nourishing habits. With the right care and a little consistency, it is possible to restore resilience, strength and a healthy shine to your hands. To shed light on this important topic, we asked Kirsten Desai, Head of Education at Mii Cosmetics, to share her expertise on nail changes during menopause and the best ways to support your natural nails.

HOW MENOPAUSE AFFECTS NAIL HEALTH

As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, the body undergoes changes that can directly affect nails. Collagen production slows down, reducing the skin and nails’ ability to retain moisture. This can leave nails feeling dry, brittle, and more prone to peeling or ridging, while overall nail growth may be slow. Higher stress levels also associated with this stage of life, may also further intensify these changes, leaving many women frustrated with nails that suddenly feel weaker than before.

• Increased Brittleness: Nails break or snap more easily than they used to.
• Peeling and Flaking: The layers of the nail begin to separate, particularly at the free edge, making it harder to retain length.
• Vertical Ridges: Raised lines running from the cuticle to the tip, caused by slower cell turnover in the nail matrix.

HOW NAIL TECHNICIANS CAN HELP

Nail professionals can play a crucial role in helping clients to manage these changes with care, empathy, and expertise. Treatments should be tailored to the needs of more mature nails, emphasising gentle preparation and the application of strengthening, protective base coats. Products such as our Boost + Benefit Base Coat are ideal for weak or damaged nails, helping to strengthen, reinforce, and revitalise nails while creating a smooth base for polish. Ultra-hydrating cuticle oils, creams, and nourishing hand care products are also essential to promote overall nail and skin health. Alongside treatments, professionals can provide practical home care advice and recommend products that support nail health between appointments.

SIMPLE STEPS FOR HEALTHIER, MORE RESILIENT NAILS

Just as we adapt our facial skincare routines to lock in extra moisture as we mature, our hands and nails deserve a dedicated, protective routine. Incorporating these small, intentional steps into your day-to-day life can make a remarkable difference to the look and feel of your nails.

1. NOURISH + NURTURE YOUR CUTICLES

The cuticle acts as a natural, protective seal for the nail matrix where new nail cells are born. When the cuticle becomes dry and cracked, it can compromise the health of the emerging nail.

Make cuticle care a non-negotiable part of your evening wind-down routine. For a fast-absorbing, lightweight burst of hydration, massage a drop of Nourish + Nurture Nail and Cuticle Oil into the base of each nail. If you prefer a creamy texture over oil, opt for the deeply conditioning Refine + Pamper Cuticle Cream. Massaging these formulas into the nails and cuticles not only delivers essential nutrients but also stimulates blood flow, encouraging healthier, more robust nail growth.

Top Tip: These treatments are not just for fingertips. Smooth any leftover oil or cream onto dry areas such as elbows, knuckles or knees.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BASE COAT

When nails are fragile, leaving them completely bare can expose them to further environmental stress. A prescriptive base coat can help protect against everyday wear while giving nails a smooth, cared-for finish, even without colour.

Choose a base coat that suits your nail type, whether your nails feel dry, weak, brittle or prone to peeling. Each formula helps care for nails while creating a protective layer that works beautifully on its own or under your favourite polish.

• To Have + To Hold: Formulated for normal nails, this everyday base coat helps protect, hydrate and condition to keep nails looking and feeling their best.
• Boost + Benefit: A supportive choice for weak or damaged nails, helping to hydrate, reinforce and strengthen the nail surface.
• Strong + Stable: Ideal for thin or peeling nails, this base coat helps nails feel stronger and more resilient over time.
• Preserve + Protect: Created for brittle nails, this conditioning base coat helps fortify and protect, giving fragile nails a little extra support.

3. LAYER HYDRATION FOR HANDS

As skin becomes drier, one quick application of hand cream may not always be enough, especially after washing your hands, using sanitiser or stepping out in cold weather.

Try treating your hands as you would your face by layering lighter textures under richer ones to restore softness, improve firmness and prevent dryness. Start by applying Care + Caress Hand Serum onto clean hands, taking a moment to smooth it over the backs of your hands, fingertips and around the nail beds. Allow it to fully penetrate before following with Soft + Supple Hand Cream to help lock in moisture and leave skin feeling soft, comfortable and cared for. Keep one by the sink and one on your bedside table, so it is easy to reapply after washing and before sleep.

4. FILE WITH CARE

The way you file your nails can make a real difference, especially when they already feel weak, thin or prone to peeling. Coarse metal files or a back-and-forth sawing motion can create microscopic tears in mature nail plates, encouraging further peeling and splitting. Choose an emery board specifically designed for your nail type, such as the Neat + Tidy Emery Board for Soft, Thin, Peeling Nails. File in one direction, working from the outer corner towards the centre, rather than using a back-and-forth motion.

When nails are feeling particularly brittle, keeping them a little shorter can also help. A softly rounded shape is less likely to catch on clothing, hair or everyday objects, helping nails feel neat and better protected.

5. DEFEND AGAINST WATER + CHEMICALS

When nails are prone to dryness or fragility, a little everyday protection can make a big difference. Household chores, frequent handwashing and cold weather can all leave nails and cuticles feeling drier, so it helps to create a barrier where you can.

Wear rubber gloves when washing up, cleaning or gardening to protect nails from excess water and household products. Water can soften the nail plate, and as nails dry out again, they may become more prone to peeling or splitting.

In colder weather, keep hands tucked into warm gloves when you are outdoors. This helps protect both skin and nails from cold air, low humidity and the drying effects of winter weather.

6. NOURISH FROM WITHIN

Topical care can help protect and strengthen dry, fragile nails, but what you eat matters too. Nails are made from keratin, a protein, so a balanced diet with plenty of variety can help support healthy-looking nails over time.

Try to include a mix of protein, healthy fats, fruit and vegetables in your meals. Foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, avocado and olive oil can all play a useful role in a varied diet. Biotin is also linked with nail health and you will find it naturally in foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon and certain vegetables.